In the highly competitive and quality-conscious food industry of the United Arab Emirates, maintaining international food safety and quality standards is not just important—it’s essential. One of the most recognized and trusted global standards in this space is BRCGS Certification (British Retail Consortium Global Standards). For businesses aiming to thrive in both local and export markets, BRC Consultancy & Certification Services in Dubai, UAE offer the support needed to achieve full compliance.
Whether you’re a food manufacturer, distributor, packager, or storage provider, earning BRCGS certification demonstrates your commitment to safe, high-quality, and traceable products—key attributes that build trust with regulators, retailers, and consumers alike.
What is BRCGS Certification?
BRCGS (formerly known as BRC) is a set of global standards developed for food safety, packaging, storage, and distribution. The BRCGS Food Safety Standard, now in Version 9, outlines strict requirements for:
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Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
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Food safety and quality management systems
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Site hygiene and structural standards
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Product control and process monitoring
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Staff training and safety protocols
Certification is granted after an independent audit by a recognized certification body, valid for 12 months.
Why BRCGS Certification Matters in the UAE
The UAE is home to a vibrant food economy driven by imports, exports, tourism, and growing local demand. Dubai, in particular, serves as a food trade gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Regulatory bodies like Dubai Municipality and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) are aligned with international food safety frameworks, making BRCGS certification a valuable credential.
Here’s why it matters:
1. Compliance with International and Local Regulations
BRCGS certification ensures your business meets both global and UAE-specific food safety requirements. This is especially important for companies that wish to export to the UK, Europe, or North America—regions where BRCGS is often a prerequisite for market access.
2. Market Access and Retailer Approval
Many major retailers and distributors in the UAE and abroad demand that their suppliers hold BRCGS certification. Having it in place increases your chances of securing contracts with leading chains like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys.
3. Improved Product Safety and Quality
BRCGS-certified companies operate under rigorous safety and hygiene controls, significantly reducing the risks of contamination, recalls, and product failure.
4. Stronger Consumer Confidence
With rising public awareness about food safety, BRCGS certification acts as a seal of trust for your customers. It reflects your commitment to producing safe, reliable, and high-quality food products.
How BRC Consultancy & Certification Services in Dubai, UAE Can Help
Achieving BRCGS certification requires in-depth knowledge, detailed documentation, and continuous improvement. This is where BRC Consultancy & Certification Services in Dubai, UAE come in.
A professional consultancy can help with:
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Gap analysis to assess current systems against BRCGS standards
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Implementation support for HACCP plans, documentation, and quality systems
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Staff training to ensure company-wide understanding of food safety principles
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Pre-certification audits to prepare you for the final audit
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Continual improvement to maintain certification in the long term
Their local expertise and industry experience can help you save time, reduce costs, and avoid common pitfalls during the certification journey.
Steps to Achieve BRCGS Certification
1. Understand the Requirements
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the BRCGS Food Safety Standard, especially Version 9. It outlines the specific clauses and expectations for your type of operation.
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
Use an internal team or a professional consultant to identify where your current systems fall short. This analysis forms the foundation of your implementation plan.
3. Develop and Implement Systems
Create or upgrade your food safety management system (FSMS), including HACCP, documentation procedures, supplier approvals, and hygiene controls.
4. Train Your Staff
Certification is not just about systems—it’s about people. Ensure your team understands their roles in maintaining compliance.
5. Schedule a Pre-Audit (Optional but Recommended)
A mock audit conducted by your consultant helps identify weaknesses before the actual certification audit.
6. Undergo the Certification Audit
A third-party certification body will conduct the official audit. If you meet the required standards, certification will be granted.
7. Maintain and Improve
BRCGS requires continuous monitoring, improvement, and annual audits. Ongoing consultancy support can be valuable here.
Final Thoughts
BRCGS certification is not just a badge—it’s a proven framework that enhances food safety, boosts business credibility, and opens doors to lucrative markets. In a dynamic and regulation-driven market like the UAE, businesses cannot afford to fall behind on compliance.
By working with expert BRC Consultancy & Certification Services in Dubai, UAE, you can ensure a smooth and successful path to certification. The result is a safer operation, greater market access, and a stronger reputation—essentials for growth in today’s food industry.
